Survey reveals the state of dating in America

Jessica Padykula is a freelance writer and editor in Toronto, Canada covering a wide range of topics for several online lifestyle publications. She is a regular contributor for SheKnows, covering travel, style, relationships, health and ...

Study details

According to the study, which surveyed more than 2,700 U.S. singles between the ages of 18 and 60, singles in America today are more progressive than ever when it comes to sex, living arrangements and gender roles, but still maintain traditional values when it comes to marriage and family.

The new report was jointly released by ChristianMingle.com, the largest and fastest growing online community for Christian singles, and JDate.com, the iconic community responsible for more Jewish marriages than all other dating sites combined. “Single adults make up an increasing portion of the American population. With the State of Dating in America survey, we wanted to get to the root of their views on relationships, sex, marriage and more,” said Greg Liberman, President and CEO of Spark Networks, which owns and operates both ChristianMingle and JDate. “The results provide unique insights into the minds of today’s singles as they navigate the ever-evolving dating and relationships landscape.”

Noteworthy stats

87 percent of singles think online dating is a great way to meet people

Both men and women agree it is safer to meet someone through online dating than in a bar

85 percent of singles say sex before marriage is acceptable

A majority of singles say it doesn’t matter whether the man or woman is the breadwinner

78 percent of men believe the man should pay on the first date and 55 percent of women agree

62 percent of 18 to 24-year-olds would be disappointed if they never got married

Both men and women say their mothers have the biggest influence on who they marry

Nearly three-quarters of singles are looking for a partner who shares their religious faith

All women surveyed believe passionately kissing another is considered unfaithful; 86 percent of men agree

82 percent of women believe texting or online flirting is cheating; just 56 percent of men agree

What does it mean?

“The State of Dating in America report puts a microscope on what today’s singles really think and feel when it comes to dating,” said Rachel Sussman, marriage and family therapist and licensed clinical social worker. Sussman partnered with JDate and ChristianMingle to analyze the findings and provide her expert insights. “The results of the study are consistent with what I see day in and day out as I counsel singles and couples about the obstacles, issues and questions that arise while on the road to developing successful modern relationships.”